The actress who played golden ticket-winner Charlie Bucket’s mom in the beloved 1971Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factorymovie has died.
Diana Sowledied early on Friday, her representative confirmed to the BBC. She was 88. A cause of death for the actress has not been revealed.
Sowle is best remembered for her role in the 1971 film, herfirst-ever screen credit, where she memorably sang “Cheer Up Charlie.”
Her only other film credits are roles inClear and Present DangerandGuarding Tess, both of which were released in 1994, over two decades later. Additionally, Sowle voiced a variety of characters in video gameFallout 3and performed in murder mystery playShear Madness.
Paramount Pictures
“It has been on my tree every Xmas since. This year will be no exception. Love you, sweet lady,” he added, alongside a photo of the pair backstage.
In an interview with theBaltimore Sunin 2015, the actress shared that while she had fond memories of working onWilly Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, she alsohad a few grievances— namely, Charlie’s lack of consideration to his mother.
After saying that Charlie “should’ve taken his mom” to visit the factory instead of his Grandpa Joe, she also joked that she wished the boy would have taken all of the money Willy Wonka ended up giving him to buy his mother some new threads.
RELATED VIDEO: Gene Wilder, Beloved Star of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Dies at 83
“He should’ve said ‘Oh, that’s wonderful. Now I can buy my mother a beautiful dress!’ Never happened,” she said.
Sowle, who had two children with her late husband, also revealed what she thought of the 2005 remake starringJohnny Depp.
“It didn’t have the charmWilly Wonkahad,” she remarked.
Her costar Gene Wilderdied in 2016at the age of 83.
source: people.com
